LOCAL BODY RATES.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18926, 21 April 1933, Page 2

LOCAL BODY RATES.

SUBSIDY TO COUNTY COUNCILS.

REQUEST TO GOVERNMENT.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WERRINGTON, Thursday.

A discussion upon a remit urging the Government to reconsider the question of granting a subsidy to •county councils to enable a rebate of rates to be made, led to a lively debate at the meeting of the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to-day. One delegate said that in some parts of New Zealand farmers were adopting a policy of passive resistance towards the payment of rates, The movement was growing, and it behoved the Government to take a solemn warning. Mr W. J. Poison, M.P., president ■of the union, said that the year before last a rebate of 12$ per cent had been granted. It was no good farmers taking up a hostile attitude. One had to consider the finances and state of the country. “I deprecate the constant attacks upon local body administration," said Mr Poison, "because in my opinion local bodies are efficient and doing the job in a most inexpensive way. The conversion loan has meant a considerable saving to most local bodies, and it is up to us to help tho Government as much as possible, If a rebate is granted, the Consolidated Fund will have to bear the burden. We can’t have It both ways.” Another delegate said that in some of the wealthiest counties In New Zealand 50 per cent of farmers were unable to pay their rates. Mr Mulholland: We are in danger sometimes of forgetting our responsibilities. Under the circumstances, I don’t think it is reasonable to press for a rebate at this stage. Mr F. Colbeck said derating would become a by-product of the slump, because lands would derate themselves.

After further, discussion, the remit was deferred.